K Line gets ClassNK OK for LNG-powered bulker designs

Japan’s shipping firm K Line has received basic design approvals from compatriot classification society ClassNK for two LNG and battery-powered bulk carriers.

The approvals in principle are for a 200,000 ton capesize bulk carrier and 90,000 ton post-Panamax bulk carrier, according to a statement by K Line issued last week.

K Line said it has developed the capesize vessel with Namura Shipbuilding and Taiyo Electric, while the firm joined forces with Shin Kurushima Sanoyas Shipbuilding and Taiyo Electric for the smaller design.

By using LNG as fuel, the vessel would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent to 30 percent compared to the use of conventional heavy fuel oil, K Line said.

K Line gets ClassNK OK for LNG-powered bulker designs
Image: K Line

On top of that, the design adopts permanent magnet shaft generator technology, along with lithium-ion batteries.

These additions would contribute to emission reductions of about 2.5 percent to 3 percent compared to an LNG-powered vessel without those two technologies, K Line said.

Also, PM shaft generators improve efficiency by about 10 percent compared to conventional shaft generators, it said.

By utilizing batteries as part of the platform for power supply on board, the aim is to further reduce emissions going forward by later adding green energy sources with energy-saving technology, the firm said.

Worth mentioning here, K Line, along with NYK Line and MOL, has last year signed a charter deal with Japanese steel manufacturer JFE Steel for three LNG-powered bulk carriers.

Japan Marine United and Imabari Shipbuilding will build the LNG-powered vessels and deliver them from the beginning of 2024.

Most Popular

Woodside terminates Commonwealth LNG SPA

Australian LNG player Woodside has terminated its two LNG sale and purchase agreements with US LNG terminal developer Commonwealth LNG.

Energy Transfer seals Lake Charles LNG supply deals

Texas-based Energy Transfer has signed new supply deals for its planned Lake Charles LNG export facility in Louisiana as it works to take a final investment decision by the end of this year, according to its management.

Thailand in Alaska LNG talks

Thailand's PTT and Egco will engage in further discussions to potentially participate in the development and buy volumes from the planned Alaska LNG project, according to Thailand's Ministry of Energy.

More News Like This

ONE plans LNG-powered containership order

Ocean Network Express (ONE), a joint venture of Japan's NYK, MOL, and K Line is eyeing an order for LNG dual-fuel container vessels, according to shipbuilding sources.

QatarEnergy LNG carrier named in China

China’s Hudong-Zhonghua hosted a naming ceremony for one 174,000-cbm liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier built as part of the massive QatarEnergy shipbuilding program.

Titan, K Line complete first LNG bunkering op under new term contract

Dutch LNG supplier Titan and Japan’s shipping giant K Line have completed the first LNG bunkering operation for K Line’s car carrier under a new contract.

K Line’s LNG carrier fleet to rise to 65 vessels by fiscal 2026, CEO says

Japan's shipping giant K Line is on track with its plans to have 65 liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers in its fleet by fiscal 2026, according to K Line's new CEO, Takenori Igarashi.